Electric cars and hybrids are common on our roads. However, over the past two years EV sales have hit the skids.
Between 2022 and 2023, pure EV models increased their market share from 10% to 14.5%. However, it's clear the end of the EV subsidies has had a big effect. While hybrid sales remain strong, new EV numbers have plummeted over the past two years. Just 7% of vehicles sold last year were EVs.
Plug-in hybrids, which are now subject to road user charges, are also out of favour. Just 4658 plug-in hybrids were registered in NZ last year, while non plug-in hybrid sales matched those of petrol vehicles.
Sales by Engine Type 2025 | Sales by Engine Type 2026 |
|---|---|
40% Petrol | 41% Petrol |
40% Non plug-in hybrid | 36% Non plug-in hybrid |
8% Diesel | 8% Diesel |
7% EV | 8% EV |
5% Plug-in hybrid | 7% Plug-in hybrid |
Source: NZTA – 2026 sales to 28/02/26
So far this year, sales by engine type:
Petrol: 41% (6581 sales)
Top models include:
- Mitsubishi ASX (800)
- Mitsubishi Outlander (506)
- Kia Seltos (473)
Non plug-in hybrids: 36% (5711 sales)
Top models include
- Toyota RAV4 (1008)
- Toyota Corolla Cross (484)
- Toyota Yaris Cross (415)
EVs: 8% (1359 sales)
Top models include:
- BYD Atto 1 (130)
- MG ZS (111)
- BYD Atto 2 (109)
Diesel: 8% (1303 sales)
Top models include
- Ford Everest (570)
- Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (99)
- Isuzu MU-X (74)
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle: 7% (1199 sales)
Top models include:
- BYD Sealion 5 (126)
- BYD Sealion 6 (125)
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (116)
Top selling EV models
As we mention above, EV sales have dropped considerably over the past couple of years:
- 2023: 21,032 EVs
- 2024: 6341 EVs
- 2025: 6871 EVs
- 2026 (Jan-Feb): 1359 cars
However, despite many new models hitting the market, Tesla remained the country's most popular EV.
After a sluggish start to the year, Tesla hit the top of the EV charts thanks to the popularity of its new and improved Model Y.
Over 2025, 1284 of the new-look Model Ys were registered. Combined with the 308 Model 3s that arrived in the country, it gave Tesla a 23% share of the EV market, beating BYD's 17% share.
And it's worth noting that BYD had four passenger car models – the Atto 3, Dolphin, Seal and Sealion – to Tesla's two: Model 3 and Model Y.
Rank | Top Selling EVs 2025 | Top Selling EVs 2026 |
|---|---|---|
1 | Tesla Model Y (1284) | BYD Atto 1 (130) |
2 | BYD Atto 3 (555) | MG ZS (111) |
3 | Polestar 2 (354) | BYD Atto 2 (109) |
4 | BYD Sealion 7 (337) | Zeekr 7X (88) |
5 | Tesla Model 3 (308) | Kia EV5 (71) |
6 | Kia EV5 (276) | Kia EV3 (65) |
7 | Kia EV3 (255) | BYD Sealion 7 (61) |
8 | BYD Dolphin (221) | BYD Atto 3 (48) |
9 | Toyota BZ4X (192) | Honda e:N1 (42) |
10 | BMW i (176) | Volkswagen ID.4 (41) |
11 | Honda e:N1 (171) | Tesla Model Y (33) |
12 | Mini Countryman (151) | Tesla Model 3 (32) |
13 | Omoda E5 (128) | Geely EX5 (31) |
14 | Geely EX5 | Mini Aceman (111) | Toyota BZ4X (30) |
15 | Volvo EX30 (109) | Dongfeng Vigo (27) |
Source: NZTA – 2026 sales to 28/02/26
Most popular EVs in New Zealand
Below is a brief overview of the top five most popular EVs in NZ. Prices do not include on-road costs or specials and should be used as a guide only:
Tesla Model Y (from $67,900)
The new Model Y comes in three versions (range | top speed | 0-100km):
- Rear-wheel drive: 466km | 201km/h | 5.9s
- Long-range AWD: 600km | 201km/h | 4.8s
- Long-range performance AWD: 580km | 250km/h | 3.5s
Model Ys come with an eight-year battery and drive unit warranty, or 160,000km, whichever comes first, plus a four-year/80,000km basic warranty.
BYD Atto 3 (from $49,990)
The Atto 3 comes in two models (range | 0-100km):
- Essential: 345km | 7.9s
- Superior: 420km | 7.3s
Atto 3s come with an eight-year battery and drive unit warranty, or 160,000km, whichever comes first, plus a six-year basic warranty, plus eight years of roadside assistance.
Polestar 2 (from $74,900)
The Polestar 2 comes in four models, and AWD or rear-wheel drive options (range | 0-100km):
- Standard range single motor: 554km | 6.4s
- Long-range single motor: 659km | 6.2s
- Long-range dual motor: 568km | 4.5s
- Long-range dual motor with performance pack: 591km | 4.2s
Polestar 2s come with an eight-year battery and drive unit warranty, or 160,000km, whichever comes first, plus a three-year basic warranty.
BYD Sealion 7 (from $67,990)
There are two BYD Sealion 7 models (range | 0-100km):
- Real-wheel drive: 482km | 6.7s
- AWD: 456km | 4.5s
Sealion 7s come with an eight-year battery and drive unit warranty, or 160,000km, whichever comes first, plus a six-year basic warranty, plus eight years of roadside assistance.
Tesla Model 3 (from $63,900)
The Model 3 comes in three versions (range | top speed | 0-100km):
- Rear-wheel drive: 520km | 201km/h | 6.1s
- Long-range rear-wheel drive: 750km |201km/h | 5.2s
- Performance AWD: 571km | 261km/h | 3.1s
Model 3s come with an eight-year battery and drive unit warranty, or 192,000km, whichever comes first, plus a four-year/80,000km basic warranty.
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